The High Court has discharged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja after finding him in contempt of court over police roadblocks mounted in Nairobi during the June 25 protests.
Justice Patricia Nyaundi, however, warned Kanja that he could face a tougher punishment if the violation happens again.
The judge said there was no need to impose a punitive sentence on the Inspector General on this occasion, taking into account his personal appearance in court and his commitment to ensure that officers under his command comply with the court order.
Kanja appeared before the court along with senior police officers. He further agreed to make sure that the order was made known to his junior officers and gave his guarantee that the same mistake would not happen again in the future.
“Today in this particular case, I am going to forgive you but with a strict warning that if this happens again in the future, I will not think twice before imposing imprisonment on you,” stated Judge Nyaundi.
Kanja was personally charged with contempt for setting up roadblocks and barricades in Nairobi on June 25 without giving public notice, as per the court order issued in an earlier hearing.
The case had been filed by Katiba Institute against police who had blocked access to the Central Business District of Nairobi and other important roads in connection with celebrations of the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests.
The organisation argued that police had breached a conservatory order requiring the National Police Service to notify the public before putting up emergency roadblocks or barricades.
In July 2025, the court had issued an order requiring police to give members of the public prior notice before erecting such barricades.
Justice Nyaundi ruled on September 17 that Kanja was personally in contempt of the order, holding him responsible for failing to ensure that officers under his command complied with the directive.
She then ordered him to appear in court on September 22 for mitigation and sentencing.
In the latest proceedings, the judge stressed the need for the Inspector General to understand the importance of complying with court orders, particularly when police actions affect members of the public.
“It is not the intention of the court to impose a punitive sentence on you, but you must understand and appreciate that the court will not hesitate if your conduct compels it,” Justice Nyaundi said.
The court therefore discharged Kanja but issued him with a stern warning that a repeat of the violation could lead to a custodial sentence.
